Friday, May 17, 2013

It was fun while it lasted. House Speaker Davy Carter won't make a Republican race for governor. Asa Hutchinson, Rep. Debra Hobbs and Curtis Coleman, at least, will fight it out for the nomination.

Instead, Carter has taken a banking executive position. (See jump for news release.) He'll be executive vice president of Home Bancshares. He previously was a division president for Centennial Bank in Cabot, part of the Home banking group.

His statement this morning:

After much deliberation, I have decided against a campaign for Governor at this time. In the past weeks I have had many calls of encouragement and offers of support from fellow Republicans, Independents and yes, even Democrats, all of which I very much appreciate. I love this state and I love public service. Although I will be returning to the private sector, I will find ways to remain involved in public service in Arkansas in the years ahead.

As several have noted, an open call this week by Carter for some moderation on the Republican Party's press for gun and abortion issues (and he's also viewed by some GOPers as squishy on religious issues) was not a particularly effective way to set the tone for a GOP primary. It makes him an appealing crossover candidate, but will dog him forever, I'd say, on any future Republican ambitions.

Mike Ross and Bill Halter, so far, are the sole combatants on the Democratic side. Carter's decision is a benefit to the Democratic nominee. The likelihood is that the winner — and you'd have to make Ross the favorite at this point — will face Asa Hutchinson, three times a loser in statewide races.

NEWS RELEASE

Conway, AR — Home BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ GS: HOMB), parent company of Centennial Bank, has named Davy Carter Executive Vice President. Carter formerly served as Division President for Centennial Bank in Cabot and he remains a member of the Centennial Bank Board in Cabot. He will report to Randy Sims, CEO of Home BancShares.

“We are extremely pleased that Davy is returning to our corporate family. It is a unique and exciting opportunity to have someone with his experience and knowledge join our leadership team.” said Sims.

Carter is the current Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives, where he is serving his third term.

“This is a great opportunity and I’m excited to be back with the Centennial Bank and Home BancShares family. I look forward to being a part of this outstanding corporation and its executive leadership team,” said Carter.

Carter is a graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro with a bachelor’s degree in finance. In addition, he holds a Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's William H. Bowen School of Law and is an alumnus of the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge.

“Davy brings more than a decade of financial experience to Home BancShares, including his years with Centennial Bank. His outstanding leadership skills and strong community ties will help further build upon our reputation for strength and service,” said John W. Allison, chairman of Home BancShares. Carter and his wife Cara reside in Cabot with their three children Jackson, John David and Anna Claire.

Blue Hog Report has some news on a Republican primary challenge of an incumbent legislator, Rep. Laurie Rushing, by Ernie Hinz of Hot Springs.

Republicans, including at least one from Arkansas, are talking about repealing the Dickey Amendment which prohibits gun research from a public health perspective. But none of them are yet willing to DO anything about it.

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